Tatevik Shahunyan

Israel's Ambassador to Armenia: Armenian Genocide's recognition has turned into a subject for political speculations

Armenia-Israel relations can be characterized as positive, but genuine efforts are still needed to develop these relations, Israel's Ambassador to Armenia Shmuel Meirom told reporters, Friday.

Asked if it is possible for Israel to recognize the Armenian Genocide ahead of its centennial in the light of Israeli President Reuven Rivlin's statements for recognition of that crime against humanity, the ambassador said: "Rivlin made such statements before he was elected the president of Israel." In addition, he said, all the decisions in Israel are adopted by the Knesset. "This issue is now discussed in our parliament. The Israeli people are very sensitive to the issue, but it has turned into a subject for political speculations. Hopefully, Ankara and Yerevan will start a dialogue on the issue," the ambassador said.

The 66th independence anniversary of Israel was marked in Yerevan, on 19 June. In his speech, Israel's Ambassador said that Israel mulls a visa free regime with Armenia.